- A new friend I met and have shared the gospel with has decided to be baptized (on my birthday!!!).
- My brother and his wife have had a baby (awesome!) and found out that he has a serious congenital heart defect (not-so-awesome).
My role in #1 and the importance of my having moved is somewhat obvious. If I hadn't moved, I wouldn't have made the new friend and I wouldn't have been able to share the gospel with her.
My role in #2 is less obvious, but still simple. Where I live if halfway between the hospital caring for my new nephew and where my brother lives with his family. My convenient location provided me the opportunity to serve my brother, his wife, and his mother-in-law by opening my home to them as a way station from the hospital and babysitting their toddler so they could focus on their newborn.
I often wonder aloud or to myself how I've come to be where I am today. More recently, the wondering wanders to why I felt I should move; after all, my life still mostly consists of work A, work B, church activities, friends, and family (not in that order). Almost as soon as I ask myself why did I move? I think of the benefits I now enjoy as a result: less time commuting; easier access to family & friends in multiple towns, the temple, and work; new friendships; more independence. My musing of how and why also tend to be answered through life's twists and turns. Maybe this is #WhyImSingle !
If I'd had my way, I would be a married stay-at-home mom with a few kiddos of my own by now, and maybe a concert flautist or world-renowned author. Then again, if I'd had my way, I would have also missed out on some of the best experiences of my life, would have missed out on meeting my new friend and sharing the gospel with her, and would have had a harder time being available to serve my brother and his family. I would not have an MA in Spanish, nor would I be influencing young minds through teaching. In short, my life would be drastically different than it is.
My birthday is coming up and I'm excited. However, as I hear of friends' birthday plans, such as staying in a 5-star hotel or traveling to Sweden, I think, "Wow, maybe I should do something more exciting..." But wait--my birthday is going to be one of the best because on the anniversary of my physical birth, a friend of mine will be reborn spiritually and there's almost nothing better than that!
What's more, some of my friends and family have reminded me of small moments I've shared with them and I'm reminded yet again that who I am is not found in the rare big trips or luxury experiences (as great as those are), but in the everyday interactions I have with those around me. When I'm old and gray, those who know me will think first of what I said to or did for them. So far, what they have to say is pretty positive, so I must be doing something right with my life.
I'm so grateful for the heartfelt conversations that allow my fellow brothers and sisters on earth and me to get to know each other as well as share in struggles and learn together. I'm so grateful for my family and the support we bring to one another. The family is truly "ordained of God" (The Family: A Proclamation to the World). He has a plan for me. He has a plan for you. Maybe you're single like me, married like my friends, and/or raising children. No matter the situation, know that God knows why you're single, why you're married, why you have your children, why you are where you are. He knows. And His plan is glorious!
